‘The takeover of Kowloon has stirred up turmoil in all directions!’--"Hong Kong Economic Journal"
January 1, 1979, Saturday.
Today, all newspapers and media in Hong Kong gave their front page headlines to the news of Bao's acquisition of Wharf, and the entire Hong Kong public is also paying attention to this matter.
Although there had been the acquisition of Hehe International-Wheelock by Jiaku before this, and that acquisition was also called the largest acquisition in the commercial history since the opening of Hong Kong.
However, Jiaku's acquisition of Hehe International-Wheelock really lacks too much story. The outside world does not know the turmoil behind the scenes.
It's too fast, I haven't even taken off my pants yet, it's over!
This was the impression left on the people of Hong Kong when Jiaku acquired Hehe International-Wheelock. It was not at all in line with their imagination of a turbulent acquisition in the business world.
But this time it’s different. This time Bao’s acquisition of Wharf, although the scale of Wharf cannot be compared with that of Hehe International-Wheelock, Wharf is also one of the top groups in Hong Kong, and it is backed by Land, Jardine Matheson
These two big trees.
Coupled with Bao's previous prestige in Xiangjiang and the various battles between Bao and Land this time, Bao's high-profile announcement is dazzling and naturally meets the public's expectations.
"I didn't expect that the Bao family would actually acquire Wharf publicly. Did you see yesterday's news? Bao Yu just said that they had prepared 1.89 billion Hong Kong dollars for this acquisition. If this money was given to me, I would definitely save it.
Go to the bank, earn interest, and have enough food and clothing for the rest of your life!"
"1.89 billion Hong Kong dollars? You are still too young. Don't forget. Bao has already acquired 3% of Wharf's shares in order to acquire Wharf. They and Land have been competing for Wharf's shares before. There must be no less.
flower!"
"Of course I know. The key question is, where did Bao Yugang get so much money?"
"Are you stupid? Have you forgotten the previous estimate of Yugang Bao's wealth by Fortune? At that time, Fortune magazine said that Yugang Bao's wealth was at least over US$1 billion!"
"You are stupid. They are talking about wealth including those oil tankers. Now Bao Yugang has spent real money to buy Wharf stocks!"
"10 Hong Kong dollars per share. If this is the case, Wharf's market value will exceed 10 billion Hong Kong dollars. It should be the company with the highest market value in Hong Kong now, right?"
"How is it possible? The company with the highest market value is still HSBC. Didn't you read the newspaper's ranking of the companies with the highest market value in Hong Kong this year?
It clearly states on it that as of now, HSBC is the company with the highest market capitalization in Hong Kong, at HK$13.37 billion!"
"Haha, let me tell you, you are still young. I will not approve of any ranking in Xiangjiang without Jiaku!"
Discussions like this can be heard in every crowded place in Xiangjiang.
Bao's and Land's takeover battle over Wharf has become the focus of heated discussion throughout Hong Kong.
"Boss, I just received news that HSBC has agreed to lend HK$1 billion to Jardine Matheson during work on Monday, Standard Chartered Bank is preparing to lend HK$1 billion to Landmark, and Hang Seng Bank is loaning HK$1 billion. In addition, Swire Group,
Yingzhijie and other British-owned companies in Hong Kong also provided a total of HK$100 million in loans to Land!"
Xu Yi came to Chu Huan's office and told Chu Huan about the Wharf acquisition battle.
"It seems that Land does not want to give up Wharf this time. In just one night, it has borrowed 1.9 billion Hong Kong dollars!"
In the end, Xu Yi gave a somewhat sighing speech. Chu Huan said before that Yihe, as the oldest consortium in Hong Kong, still has its heritage. Now it seems that this is indeed the case!
"Is the source reliable?" Chu Huan asked.
Xu Yi nodded and said: "The news from HSBC came from Bao Yugang, who is a director of HSBC. If HSBC wants to provide such a large loan to Land, it must go to the board of directors. The news from Standard Chartered Bank was released by themselves."
Yes, the news about Hang Seng Bank was told to us by Zheng Yutong. He has always had a very good relationship with He Shanheng from Hang Seng Bank. This news should not be false. As for the news sent by companies such as Swire and Yingzhijie, it was the board of directors of Land
It was announced on the Internet, so there should be no falsehoods in this information!”
Chu Huan smiled. He didn't care at all that Land Land had raised funds. To a certain extent, Chu Huan really hoped that Land Land could borrow so much money. After all, Land Land would compete with Bao's Wharf only if Land Land had money.
The most important thing is that whether it is a loan from a bank or a loan from another company, this kind of thing can only be done once. Now that Landmark has used this money to compete with the Bao family for the Wharf, naturally there will be no more
Capital competes with Chu Huan for land, Yihe wins!
"What's the reaction from Bao's side?" Chu Huan asked.
Xu Yi replied: "After Bao Yugang called, he just hoped that we could transfer the remaining 100 million in cash to Hong Leong International's account as soon as possible."
"It seems that Bao Yugang was also stunned by this series of news!" Chu Huan said with a smile.
Xu Yi nodded and said: "It only took Landmark one night to borrow so much money. Bao Yugang must be a little worried. After all, the difference between them is only % of the equity!
And if Land also announces a cash acquisition, then Bao Yugang will inevitably increase the acquisition price per share, which will also allow them to have more expenses!"
Chu Huan nodded and said: "Tell Bao Yugang that the 100 million Hong Kong dollars are ready and will be transferred to them on Monday afternoon!"
"So fast?"
Xu Yi asked: "Didn't we discuss before transferring it to Bao Yugang on Wednesday?"
Chu Huan said with a smile: "Looking at the current situation, by Monday, both of them will make an effort. The purchase price is already close to the ceiling. I think those investors will not be able to wait any longer. There will definitely be a large amount of sales by then."
Sell Wharf's shares, maybe this acquisition won't take five days at all!"
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Xu Yi nodded after thinking for a while and asked: "Then the boss should also prepare a flight ticket to London for you?"
"Yes, contact Swire to charter a direct flight to London. We will go to London on Wednesday!"
The acquisition battle of Wharf officially started on Monday. Now Land and Bao have enough ammunition. They will definitely beat their brains out. Both parties will definitely invest a lot of financial resources by then. By Wednesday, it is estimated that both of them will
The ammunition is almost gone.
At this time, it is time for Chinese Real Estate to officially announce the acquisition of Land and Jardine!
And Chu Huan is also going to London, officially suppressing factors other than business!
Ordinary people in Xiangjiang are paying attention to the Wharf acquisition war. In fact, the business community in Xiangjiang is even more concerned about this matter.
Because this also has extraordinary significance to them.
"Finally, other Chinese-funded consortiums besides Ah Huan have taken action against the British-funded consortium in Xiangjiang!"
At the New World Headquarters, Zheng Yutong was discussing what was happening now with Zheng Jiachun, and Zheng Yutong was also very concerned about this matter at this time.
And their focus is also different. Although now with the strong rise of Jiaku, it seems that Chinese-funded enterprises in Xiangjiang have a tendency to emerge, but in fact this is just Jiaku, not the entire Chinese-owned enterprise. If
If Jia Ku had been removed in Xiangjiang, it would still be British-owned companies that are talking about things in Xiangjiang today.
In the past, Chinese-owned enterprises in Hong Kong have been unable to find a better breakthrough point, but it is different now. Bao Yugang's acquisition of Wharf actually means that the entire Chinese-owned consortium in Hong Kong can aspire to dominate the British-owned enterprises in Hong Kong.
Of course, all this depends on whether Bao Yugang can take down Wharf.
It is foreseeable that if Bao Yugang can successfully win the Wharf in the end, from then on, Chinese-owned enterprises in Xiangjiang will also set their sights on these British-owned enterprises.
In fact, this is also the reason why Swire agreed to lend money to Land.
"Daddy, what are the chances of Bao Yugang's success in acquiring Wharf this time? Hang Seng Bank has loaned HK$100 million to Land, which shows that the entire Land should already have a lot of funds."
Zheng Jiachun was also a little excited at this time. He was different from old-school Xiangjiang businessmen like Zheng Yutong. Having studied abroad, he believed more in the business world and had the final say in business. Regarding the previous British-funded consortium that dominated Hong Kong, Zheng Jiachun
It has long been displeasing to my eyes.
This has nothing to do with national integrity. In fact, it is almost impossible for Xiangjiang businessmen of Zheng Jiachun's generation to have national integrity.
When these people were born, Hong Kong was already under British rule, and they received elite education. Coupled with their overseas study background, in fact, like the Xiangjiang businessmen of Zheng Jiachun's generation, they had virtually no knowledge of any region.
They all have no sense of belonging.
Even if their property remains in Xiangjiang, they will do the same.
This is one of the reasons why in the future development of Xiangjiang, the generation of Bao Yugang, Zheng Yutong, Guo Desheng, and Li Zhaoji will pursue their roots and ancestors, but it is rare to see their descendants having any contact with their hometown.
Among them, Li Jiacheng is a figure who connects the past and the following.
He will behave like Bao Yugang, Zheng Yutong and others in seeking their roots, but in the future he will also behave like turning around and leaving without earning the last penny.
Generally speaking, my hometown is very benevolent to these businessmen in Xiangjiang, and everyone gets what they need. The development of my hometown in the next ten years will require Xiangjiang's funds. No matter how you say it, this point is irrefutable.
In the early stages of the development of my hometown, Xiangjiang's funds indeed played an important role.
It is precisely because of the funds in the past ten years that wealthy families like Xiangjiang have benefited from the policy dividends and developed rapidly.
Back to the topic, the reason why Zheng Jiachun is excited at this time is because as long as Bao Yugang can complete the acquisition of Wharf, then they can start the acquisition of Heung Kong British Capital Group.
You must know that in the decades before Hong Kong opened as a port, British-funded consortiums occupied a large amount of land in Hong Kong. The assets in their hands had already made Zheng Jiachun salivate!
Zheng Yutong thought for a moment, shook his head and said: "It's hard to say, judging from Land's current performance, they really don't want to give up Wharf, and the chartering king has received financial support from Chu Huan, and the cash flow situation is definitely not good.
There will be problems. No matter how you look at it now, this is a battle between dragons and tigers.
As for who will win in the end, it’s hard to say!”
Zheng Jiachun said: "I think the winning situation for the chartered ship king will be greater. They have been planning the acquisition of Wharf for such a long time. If they were not sure of victory, the chartered ship king would definitely not
You rashly launched this takeover war!"
Zheng Yutong laughed and said: "It's that simple. Yihe has been standing in Xiangjiang for hundreds of years, and its rich heritage is beyond your imagination. Although we still don't know how much funds Yihe has prepared.
But just judging from the published data, at least 1 billion Hong Kong dollars have been prepared, so it’s hard to say who will win and who will lose in this battle.”
Zheng Jiachun nodded and asked: "Look, daddy, if this battle gets serious, will Ah Huan help?"
Zheng Yutong nodded and said: "I think it will. I got the news that Jardine's largest loan was provided by HSBC. The current situation seems to be that Jardine and Bao are competing for Wharf, and the competition is even greater.
In fact, it is the competition between Chu Huan and HSBC.
Nowadays, the two sides have taken a clear-cut stance, one side supports Charter King and the other side supports Jardine.
Although before this, everyone was saying that Ahuan's Jiaku had surpassed HSBC, there was no formal confrontation between the two sides, and now that Yunhai Group has completed its layout of the Xiangjiang department store industry, Jiaku has also been moving towards
Based on the development behind the scenes, in fact, if it is not a nuclear bomb-level commercial acquisition in the future, Jiaku will definitely not make a move.
In addition, don't forget that Ah Huan also invested one billion in Volkswagen International Investment in order to support the new generation of companies in Hong Kong. In the past, only HSBC did this kind of thing.
In the past, everyone in Xiangjiang only recognized HSBC, but now there is an additional Jiaku. It can be said that this time it is a competition between Jiaku and HSBC for the right to speak in the business community of Xiangjiang.
Do you think Ah Huan will take action in the end?"
Zheng Jiachun was a little stunned and couldn't help but ask: "Is there another explanation?"
Zheng Yutong smiled and said: "Don't just look at the surface of anything. Only by seeing the essence of the matter through the layers of fog will you not make too big a mistake in your future business career."
Zheng Jiachun nodded and said: "If that's the case, I can understand why A Huan spared no effort to help the chartered king."
Zheng Yutong shook his head again and said: "If you think about it again, is it really that Ah Huan's help to the chartering king this time is to compete with HSBC for the right to speak in the Hong Kong business community?
You have to know that even without this competition, A Huan's Jia Ku is still tied with or even higher than HSBC in Xiangjiang. There is no need for him to take the initiative to start this competition. On the contrary, HSBC hopes to have such a competition.
Let’s fight to clear our name!”
Zheng Jiachun really fell into silence this time. He did not answer his father's question immediately, but was seriously considering the whole matter.
Zheng Yutong did not urge Zheng Jiachun, but just looked at him quietly. Some things cannot be remembered in just a few words. Often, many things need to be understood by themselves. Only in this way can they gain something.
of.
After a long time, Zheng Jiachun suddenly said: "Modern Container Terminal Co., Ltd., Ah Huan has already acquired International Container Terminal Co., Ltd. after acquiring Hehe International-Wheelock. Now if he can get Wharf's Modern Container Terminal Co., Ltd.
As for the Terminal Co., Ltd., Ah Huan will have three Kwai Chung container terminals in his hands by then, and Ah Huan will basically have a monopoly on the terminal business in Xiangjiang."
Zheng Yutong showed a pleased expression and said: "Yes, I think so too. Although the global shipping business is ups and downs nowadays, Xiangjiang's unique geographical location ensures that even if his terminal business is affected, it will not be affected.
It won’t be too bad, not to mention that the cold wave period in the shipping industry will definitely pass. If the development in my hometown really develops at a rapid pace as Ah Huan said, the dock business in Xiangjiang will definitely not be too bad in the next few decades.
Poor!"
"The main thing is that Ah Huan has a monopoly position!" Zheng Jiachun added.
"Yes, I'm even thinking that maybe within a few years, there will be news about Kwai Chung Pier 3 operated by Japan Dashan Shipping Company and North American Sea-Land Combined Transport Company!"
Zheng Yutong sighed.
Zheng Jiachun sighed: "We are still working in the real estate industry, and Ah Huan's goal has been to monopolize other industries. In the future, Hong Kong will be dominated by Ah Huan!"
"Why wait until the future!" Zheng Yutong retorted: "It's actually already happening now."
After finishing speaking, Zheng Yutong looked at his son with some emotion and said: "Your generation is happy. When you catch up, you have A Huan in front to protect you from the wind and rain. Unlike our time, you have to
Remember, no matter what kind of investment A Huan makes in the future, we must keep up with it. Facts have proven to us that there is nothing wrong with following A Huan!"
Zheng Yutong nodded seriously and said, "I understand, father!"
.
“Hong Kong’s business world is about to change!”
At Changshi's headquarters, Li Jiacheng was also talking about this matter with Sheng Songsheng and Zhou Qianhe. Compared to Zheng Yutong, who was unable to determine the outcome of this matter, in Li Jiacheng's view, the winner this time must be Bao Yugang.
Li Jiacheng had several direct battle experiences with Chu Huan, and it was precisely because of this kind of battle experience that Li Jiacheng was even more optimistic that Bao Yugang would win in the end.
However, compared to Li Jiacheng's focus on the big picture, Sheng Songsheng and Zhou Qianhe were more concerned about details.
That is.
"Chairman, it is obvious that it is the final battle of the Wharf acquisition war. To whom will we sell our current Wharf shares?"
Sheng Songsheng couldn't help but asked excitedly.
In another time and space, Li Jiacheng was the first to intervene in the Wharf acquisition war. At that time, Li Jiacheng had not acquired Hehe International. He set his target on Wharf. However, as the acquisition deepened, Li Jiacheng discovered that he had long-term interests.
Given its size and influence, it is almost impossible to complete the acquisition of Wharf.
So Li Jiacheng met with Bao Yugang and sold his Wharf stocks to Bao Yugang. Officially, because of the Wharf stocks in Li Jiacheng's hands, Bao Yugang started planning to acquire Wharf.
But now the situation has changed. Changshi's development during that period did not surpass the development of another time and space at the same time. At that time, Li Jiacheng was still thinking about how to cooperate with Chu Huan.
Therefore, Cheung Kong has no intention of acquiring Wharf.
As the news broke out later that Bao Yugang wanted to acquire Wharf, Li Jiacheng saw hope, so he immediately ordered Sheng Songsheng to buy Wharf's shares.
The purpose is to sell the Wharf stocks at this time and make a huge profit!
"I think now is not the time!" Zhou Qianhe opposed Sheng Songsheng's opinion and said: "There is news in the market now, and the real estate sector has also raised a lot of funds. It is obvious that this is a big war. Wait until
On Monday, I thought both of them would eventually come up with a price higher than 10 Hong Kong dollars per share. We could wait and wait until the highest price, contact them and sell our Wharf shares to Wharf.
them!"
Li Jiacheng shook his head and said: "The price of 10 Hong Kong dollars per share is already very high. Even if the two parties will increase the purchase price in the later period, it will not be too high, otherwise it will not be making money, but losing money.
That situation is too dangerous, and there is no need for us to take such risks, so I plan to sell my Wharf stocks when the market opens on Monday!"
Don’t earn your last penny!
This has always been Lijiacheng's motto.
Seeing that Li Jiacheng supported his idea, Sheng Songsheng couldn't help but ask: "Chairman, who should we sell to?"
Li Jiacheng smiled and said: "Of course he is the charter king. Although in terms of cooperation between Canada and Australia, the charter king chose to invest in Australia and we invested in Canada, but in the end we are all on the same boat.
Only when Charter King completes its acquisition of Wharf, can we better acquire foreign-funded enterprises in Hong Kong!"
Sheng Songsheng, Zhou Qian and the other two thought for a moment, nodded, and said nothing more.
.
Connaught Building, Jardine headquarters.
It is already noon, but Nulbrigian, Bao Fuda, and Karmanin have not left the company. Instead, they are sitting in Nulbrigian's office, discussing the next plan.
"It's strange that Wen Mingzhang still chose to remain silent during the company's board of directors meeting last night!"
Newbikin preached with some surprise.
Although Bao Yugang has not announced it to the public, everyone with a discerning eye knows that the cash used by Bao Yugang to acquire Wharf was most likely supported by Chu Huan.
According to Newbijian's idea, at the Jardine Matheson board meeting last night, when they proposed to compete with Bao for Wharf in response to Bao's acquisition of Wharf, Wen Mingzhang, Chu Huan's spokesperson, should have held objections.
of.
But I didn't expect that Wen Mingzhang is still the same as before, abstaining from voting, whatever you want!
"There is nothing surprising about this!" Bao Fuda also participated in yesterday's board meeting and said: "Although Chinese Land is the second largest shareholder of Jardine Matheson, in fact, their support rate on the board of directors is far from being comparable to ours.
Even if you raise objections, they won’t be useful. Since that’s the case, there’s no need to raise them!”
Niubijian shook his head and said: "You can't say that. According to Chu Huan's influence in Xiangjiang, some people will definitely agree with the opinions he put forward, and it will cause us some trouble to a greater or lesser extent, but the other party
But he still didn’t say a word, which is really surprising!”
"Isn't Bao Yugang's funds provided by Chu Huan?" Karmanin said subconsciously, but then Bao Fuda replied without using Nubijian, and he shook his head: "This is obviously impossible!"
Bao Fuda said: "Since we can't figure this out now, let's not think about it for the time being. The most important thing for us now is how to get the Wharf back in this battle!"
Niubijian first shook his head to express his confusion about Wen Mingzhang's behavior, then nodded and said: "This can only be the case now!"
Karmanin asked: "Has Mr. Keswick boarded the plane?"
Now that Henry Keswick is coming back to preside over this matter, in fact, the remaining decisions are not made by Newbijian and the three of them. Now they can only sort out their opinions and report the whole matter.
Give it to Henry Keswick, and wait for his final decision!
Niubijian nodded and said: "We have already boarded the plane and will arrive in Xiangjiang tonight!"
Having said this, Newbijian said with a somewhat serious expression: "You two, Mr. Keswick's return to Xiangjiang is a secret. Before he has announced it to the public, none of us should reveal the news!
"
Henry Keswick has been operating in Xiangjiang for many years and has strong connections. This is simply not comparable to the three of Newbijian. Therefore, for them, Henry Keswick's return will make the three of them feel distrusted.
feeling, but I have to admit that for Land Land at this time, Henry Keswick was a talisman.
Bao Fuda nodded and said: "Then let's sort out our own opinions now. When Mr. Keswick returns to Xiangjiang, we can let him know everything as soon as possible."
Karmanin pursed his lips. Although they have raised a sum of funds, they still have some gaps in being able to win the Wharf. Now they want to make up for this gap, and there are two ways.
One is that Henry Keswick returned to Xiangjiang with a huge amount of cash, and the other is to sell Wellcome and 7-11 to Yunhai Group.
Karmanin really doesn’t want the second option!
Newbijian saw Karmanin's expression and knew what he was thinking, and comforted him: "Karl, how can there be a complete egg in a crowd? For us now, the most important thing is to keep Wharf, Jardine and Land.
If we can’t do this, even if we don’t give up Wellcome now, 7-11 will give up because of other things in the future!”
Karmanin nodded helplessly: "I understand!"
The three of them discussed these things, and time passed quickly. In the evening, the three of them took a car to the airport to personally welcome the return of Henry Keswick!